Fuel management activities on the FOP will reduce risk to a projected 45%, but without any fuel management, we project bushfire risk will increase to 74% by 2021.

Valuing our environment

Tolerable fire interval across Alpine and North East

The figure below shows the tolerable fire interval (TFI) status of vegetation on public land in the Alpine and North East BRL for the period 2007–18.

The figure shows that in 2017–18 about 61% of the vegetation was below minimum TFI. It also shows that over the past ten years the proportion of vegetation below minimum TFI has remained about the same. This is a result of regeneration over the past 15 years after several major bushfires including the 2003 Alpine fire, the 2006–07 Great Divide fires and the 2013 Harrietville fire.

In 2017-18, a 13% increase in vegetation within TFI was observed, as substantial areas of fire-affected vegetation in the ANE reached reproductive maturity. In 2017–18, less than 1% of the vegetation in this landscape was burnt by bushfire or planned burning while below TFI. This shows that our fire management strategies are carefully considering and planning our burns to reduce our impacts on vegetation below minimum TFI.

TFI status of public land vegetation, Alpine and North East BRL, 2007–18

Growth stage structure across Alpine and North East

The figure below shows the growth stage structure (GSS) status of vegetation on public land in Alpine and North East for the period 2007–18.

The figure shows about 43% of the landscape was in the juvenile and adolescent growth stages in 2017–18. In recent years, the proportion of vegetation in the mature and old growth stages has increased to about 45% of the landscape, as large areas of fire-affected vegetation have reached maturity.

GSS status of public land vegetation, Alpine and North East BRL, 2007–18

A large proportion of this landscape has no recorded fire history. Nothing can be inferred about the TFI and GSS of public land with no recorded fire history.

We acknowledge and respect Victorian Traditional Owners as the original custodians of Victoria’s land and waters,
their unique ability to care for Country and deep spiritual connection to it. We honour Elders past and present whose
knowledge and wisdom has ensured the continuation of culture and traditional practices.

We are committed to genuinely partner, and meaningfully engage, with Victoria's Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities to support the protection of Country, the maintenance of spiritual and cultural practices and their broader aspirations in the 21st century and beyond.